Blessed Redeemer

The Story behind "Blessed Redeemer"

Like most of us who have a longstanding connection with the Scriptures, passages come to mind when we are confronted with life’s everyday events. It’s a great illustration of what the Bible tells us about how the Holy Spirit guides us, teaches us, and reminds us of what Jesus said (Psalm 119:11; Luke 12:12; John 14:26; John 16:13). The same is more than probable for Avis Christiansen, as she knew and loved the Lord from childhood.

Avis draws us to Scripture in every stanza of “Blessed Redeemer.” In the first two stanzas and the chorus, we see the account of what our Savior did for us. The third stanza speaks of our response.

Passages specific to “Blessed Redeemer” include Luke 23:33: “When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.”

In stanza 2, Avis references Luke 23:34: “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided His clothes and cast lots.”

The third stanza is our response—to praise our Redeemer forevermore, which references 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”

The chorus (or refrain) gives us a constant reminder of the Gospel (which we need to remember every day): “Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading—Blind and unheeding— dying for me!”

Hymnary.org lists the following passages which relate to “Blessed Redeemer” in seventy different hymnals:

Isaiah 49:26, Luke 23:12-46, John 4:42, Romans 5:6, Galatians 3;13, and 1 Timothy 1:15

Though this hymn was written in 1920, its message is still as strong and uplifting as it was then. Many people nowadays know this song via Casting Crowns, who recorded it on their album, “Until the Whole World Hears” in 2009. Even though they don’t include the second verse, the music is reverent and uplifting.

Many of the older, doctrinally sound hymns have been updated by popular Christian musicians, which only enhances a believer’s growth—when the hymns we sing point us to Christ, our Redeemer. One of the Gospel Coalition’s editors, Brett McCracken tells us, “One of the most welcome trends in contemporary Christian music is a revived appreciation for the beauty and depth of Christian hymnody." Perhaps unsurprisingly in a world of vapid, repetitive 'praise' music and ephemeral 'pop worship' hits, the old hymns of our faith—many musically gorgeous and lyrically deep—have not only endured but been rediscovered by younger generations.” Mr. McCracken includes a list of “old hymns made new” in the article referenced above.

When you hear an old hymn, listen closely to the words and make a note of the Bible verses it brings to mind. When you get a chance, look it up and see what verses played a part in the hymn writer’s lyrics. And take a moment, if you can, to read about the lyricist and composer. Then, check into which contemporary Christian artist may have recorded the hymn within the past five or ten years. As they “stand on the shoulders” of the saints who have come before them, it serves as a testimony to how the Lord continues to use our praises to Him for His glory and our growth in Christ (Psalm 22:3). When we sing to the Lord, we echo what the writer of Psalm 100 said:

“Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the LORD!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Acknowledge that the LORD is God.
He made us, and we are His—
His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and bless His name.
For the LORD is good, and His faithful love endures forever;
His faithfulness, through all generations.”

Amen!

Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning

Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye Is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace
And more!